Seal of Biliteracy

Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy

  • Newburyport Public Schools participates in the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy program.  

    The State Seal of Biliteracy is an award that recognizes high school graduates who attain high functional and academic levels of proficiency in English and a world language in recognition of having studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation...The State Seal of Biliteracy takes the form of a seal that appears on the transcript or diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future employers and for college admissions.

Overview

  • The State Seal of Biliteracy aims to:

    1. Encourage students to study and master languages
    2. Certify attainment of biliteracy skills
    3. Recognize the value of language diversity
    4. Provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills
    5. Provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for attainment of high-level skills in languages
    6. Prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society
    7. Strengthen intergroup communication and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.

    In order to earn the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy, students must:

    1. Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English by earning a score of 472 or higher on the Grade 10 ELA, MCAS
    2. Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a world language by attaining a minimum score equivalent to Intermediate-High on an assessment approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and
    3. Satisfy all other graduation requirements.

    The Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction is available to students who:

    1. Earn a score of 501 or higher on the Grade 10 ELA MCAS
    2. Demonstrate a proficiency level of Advanced Low or higher in a Department-approved assessment, and
    3. Satisfy all other graduation requirements.
    4. Please note that we will be offering the Avant STAMP Assessment to Newburyport High School in early 2023 at no cost to you.  If your child is interested in participating in the assessment to determine their eligibility for the Seal of Biliteracy, we will be sending out more information later in the fall.

    We look forward to honoring the language expertise and diversity in our district through this initiative. 

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